GILAS Pilipinas Women failed to sustain their solid start and was routed by Nigeria, 101-84, on Friday in the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2026 Qualifying Tournament in Villeurbanne, France.
The Philippines led by as many as 10 points but couldn’t hang on to it as the reigning Afrobasket champion as its chances of clinching a berth in the World Cup now hangs in the balance following its third straight defeat.
Gilas Women had a promising start with a 26-21 first quarter, and even grabbed 37-27 lead midway in the second.
But Nigeria was just too much in the second half where it went on a 59-33 second half, including a 25-12 fourth quarter to put the game away.
Janine Pontejos had 16 points including 4-of-9 from threes, his conversions kept Gilas Women in the game in the first half. Kent Pastrana also had 16 points, while Stephanie Berberabe had 13 points and nine assists.
Gilas’ top scorer Sumayah Sugapong, however, was limited to five points on 1-of-14 shooting from the field.
Former Chicago Sky player Victoria Macaulay had 16 points, six rebounds, and five assists for Nigeria.
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